Auburn star getting groove back after trying offseason

2023 was supposed to be the year of Jarquez Hunter. During the offseason, Hunter was one of the most talked-about players on Auburn football’s roster, especially with all the turnover and new players from the transfer portal.

However, a social media situation regarding explicit video of Hunter exploded after the spring game, and the running back was indefinitely suspended in May. The situation stayed mostly quiet, and Hunter missed the first few days of fall camp as well as the season opener against UMass before returning in Week 2 against Cal.

Despite the quick return, the junior running back appeared to be missing something throughout the first half of the season. In the first five games, Hunter carried for no more than 60 yards per game with a total of 218 yards. In the last two games against Ole Miss and Mississippi State, the running back ran for 91 and 144 yards, respectively, with at least one 50+ yard run in each contest.

Hunter credited the offensive line for helping improve his game, and went on to explain that it all starts in practice, per Auburn Undercover:

"“It was a rough start,” Hunter said. “I had to get back in a groove and get back in some momentum. But this second half of the season, I think, is going to be better. I try to get better at practice. If I practice hard, I play hard. That’s where it all starts.”"

The groove is returning at the right time for the Auburn football team, which still needs at least two more wins this season to qualify for a bowl game. The Tigers will have to face two more SEC teams on the road before hosting New Mexico State and Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium to cap off the regular season. If Jarquez Hunter keeps running like he did in the last two games, two more wins should come easily to the Tigers.